Dynamic sizing user interface method and system for data display

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for displaying information in a handheld device, comprising displaying information in a dynamically sizable cell in the display of the handheld device, wherein the cell comprises a portion of the display and the size of the cell is adjusted in response to the amount of information it contains. Embodiments of the present invention are enabled to display the information in a plurality of dynamically sizable cells which display different categories of information. Embodiments are also enabled to adjust cell size in response to the size of the other cells in the display.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates herein by reference, and claims priorityto, the commonly-owned co-pending provisional patent application U.S.Ser. No. 60/467,794, entitled “MULTI-MODE CONFERENCE CALL SETUP ANDMANAGEMENT AND DATA BROWSING USER INTERFACE TECHNIQUE (‘MULLETDATEBOOK’) AND DYNAMIC SIZING USER INTERFACE TECHNIQUE FOR DATA DISPLAYAND TEXT-KEY CUSTOMIZATION FOR AUDIO MENU SELECTION,” filed May 1, 2003,and to the commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,202 B1, entitled “MOBILECOMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION EXPANSION,” issuedon Feb. 4, 2003, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of user interaction with datadisplayed in handheld portable electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the components required to build a computer system have reduced insize, new categories of computer systems have emerged. A relativelyrecent category of computer system is the portable or handheld computerdevice. A handheld computer system is a computer that is small enough tobe held in the hand. As a result, these devices are readily carriedabout in a briefcase or purse, and some handheld devices are compactenough to fit into a person's pocket. By virtue of their size, handheldcomputer systems are also lightweight and so are exceptionally portableand convenient.

Further development of handheld devices has enabled their use for moreand more tasks. For example, portable, and even wireless, access tocomputer networks is now readily available with suitably configureddevices. The portability and convenience of handheld devices has enabledthe even more exciting possibilities encompassed by the combination ofthe capabilities of handheld devices with the communication convenienceof wireless telephones, e.g. cellular phones.

As more and more of these devices are carried in everyday activities,the demand for more and more capability from these versatile machinesalso grows. The demanding environment of modern working life sometimesrequires multi-tasking by the individual, requiring a careful schedulingof daily events as well as the events of the busy workplace, often usingthe assistance of planning or scheduling aids or planners. Often theseweekly and monthly planners need to be accessed while the user is on thego.

As convenient as handheld computing devices are, users demand ease ofuse. Often a simple task such as quickly checking the time of anupcoming event, scheduling a meeting, or checking a meeting attendancelist or agenda topic requires two hands and a convenient lap or desk.This is often caused by the existence of more relevant data than isdisplayed in the existing display view. It would be desirable tosimplify the graphical user interface experience for a user and presenthelpful daily information in an intuitive manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to amethod and system for viewing daily information, e.g., messages fromothers, to-do data and organized calendar data in a database. The methodcan be implemented in a portable computing device, such as a handheldcomputing device, and user input to navigate through the database can beaccepted by alpha-numeric input, touch-screen display tactile input orby five-way navigation button, for example.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices fordisplaying information in a handheld device, comprising displayinginformation in a dynamically sizable cell in the display of the handhelddevice, wherein the cell comprises a portion of the display and the sizeof the cell is adjusted in response to the amount of information itcontains. Embodiments of the present invention are enabled to displaythe information in a plurality of dynamically sizable on-screendisplayed cells or windows which display different categories ofinformation. Embodiments are also enabled to adjust cell size inresponse to the size of the other cells in the display and/or based onthe data to be displayed and/or user defined cell display options.

Embodiments of the present invention are also presented which areenabled to present windows or cells that include a list of appointments,a list of daily tasks to accomplish and an email window. The combinationof cells can be referred to as a “Today View” in some embodiments, andcan show information a user needs to know for the ensuing twenty fourhours. Embodiments can also display a clock with events, To-Do items,and messages that will impact or are useful to the user over the nexttwenty four hours.

When Today View displays information, it uses a pointer system thatadjusts what is displayed on-screen based on how much information needsto be displayed, and from what application. When ranking information, afocus is to convey scheduling information, such as for appointments orevents. The second focus of data to convey is To-Do items, and the lastis messaging information. Appointments and events are listed in a cellthat can be called an “agenda” cell, a “timed events” cell, or simply an“events” cell. The above ranking is one example only. As discussed, thisdata is displayed in cells. Appointments and events listed may becreated in other parts of the present invention or in otherapplications, known as “creator” applications.

According to embodiments of the present invention, appointment and to-docells are dynamically sized. Today View efficiently takes advantage ofas much screen display area as possible to convey important daily items.When Agenda has more items from the creator applications than can bedisplayed individually, it aggregates items based on priority. Theoverall strategy is to present these aggregation messages as a link tothe respective creator view that can always appear in the same,persistent default setting and filtering state.

Messages, being the lowest in priority in some embodiments, can beaggregated and limited to just one display line. In many embodiments,the Today View is enabled to convey a count of messages that have beenreceived and already read and those that have been received and are asyet unread. Embodiments are enabled to launch an email clientapplication, revealing the messages, with a “tapping” on the touchscreen or other selection of the message line text.

In some embodiments, the aggregation rule can next apply to tasks toaccomplish, or “ToDo” items. If there is enough display area available,time-based ToDo items can be displayed as separate line items with thecurrent day's due items on top of the list. ‘Hidden’ time based ToDo'scan be aggregated as “Due Today,” “Past Due,” etc. The user canoptionally select not to display the to-do cell and/or the messagescell.

Embodiments of the present invention employ five-way navigation usablein calendar viewing. Some embodiments are enabled to employ a “TallScreen” display which allows an active input area of the touch screendisplay to be collapsed to present more display area in a rectangularformat. Embodiments are also enabled to orient displayed information toa “landscape” format, where the long axis of the rectangular display ishorizontal, or to a “portrait” format, where the long axis is vertical.Embodiments are also enabled to present user-selected background imagesin each of these display formats.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The operation and components of this invention are described byreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates, in block flow diagram, a computer implementedmethod for browsing, manipulating and viewing data consistent withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates, in block flow diagram, a computer implementedmethod for dynamically sizing cells in a display consistent withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of dynamically sizable cells in adisplay in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates interrelated sizing of dynamically sizable cells ina display in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2C illustrates another interrelated sizing of dynamically sizablecells in a display in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2D illustrates another interrelated sizing of dynamically sizablecells in a display in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2E illustrates another interrelated sizing of dynamically sizablecells in a display in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2F illustrates an interrelated sizing of dynamically sizable cellsin which cells have no listed information in a display in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2G illustrates another interrelated sizing of dynamically sizablecells in which cells have no listed information in a display inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2H illustrates another interrelated sizing of dynamically sizablecells in which cells have no listed information in a display inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a display options window in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E illustrate selecting a background image in adisplay of a handheld computing device in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 3F and 3G illustrate creating and editing a timed event inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a rectangular display in portrait mode with acollapsible active input area in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate a rectangular display in landscape mode witha collapsible active input area in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4E illustrates a rectangular display in portrait mode with abackground image in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates sizing a background image in a rectangular display inportrait mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary physical embodiment of a portablecomputer system in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary physical embodiment of a portablecomputer system in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary physical embodiment of a portablecomputer system in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention with an extended screen mode.

FIG. 7C illustrates a physical embodiment of a portable computer systemin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention with anextended screen mode and a graphical user interface.

FIG. 8 illustrates a physical embodiment of a portable computer systemin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention presented inlandscape mode.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary portable computer system, optionallyenabled as a telephone, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention are presented for purposes of illustration and description.They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments are chosenand described in order to best explain the principles of the inventionand its practical application; to thereby enable others skilled in theart to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claimsappended hereto and their equivalents.

These descriptions of specific embodiments incorporate herein byreference, and claims priority to, the commonly-owned co-pendingprovisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 60/467,794, entitled“MULTI-MODE CONFERENCE CALL SETUP AND MANAGEMENT AND DATA BROWSING USERINTERFACE TECHNIQUE (‘MULLET DATEBOOK’) AND DYNAMIC SIZING USERINTERFACE TECHNIQUE FOR DATA DISPLAY AND TEXT-KEY CUSTOMIZATION FORAUDIO MENU SELECTION,” filed May 1, 2003, and assigned to the assigneeof the present invention.

In this discussion of some embodiments of the present invention, theterms, “handheld device,” “cell phone,” “portable electronic device” and“portable computing device” are used more or less interchangeably, asnoted previously. In each case, they refer to a class of relativelysmall, user-portable, computing devices that are capable of performingthe functions of portable computing devices and, importantly, acceptuser input in the form of pressure applied to, for instance, atouch-screen display/input device, through alpha-numeric key input, orthrough a multi-directional navigation button, etc. Some of the aboveterms are also used to refer to devices that combine the functions ofportable computing devices with those of wireless telephones.

It is noted here that specific names are used herein for many of thefeatures presented in embodiments of the present invention. The namesare used in this discussion only for example and illustration.Embodiments can be implemented with different names and can presentdifferent languages without limiting the functions and features found inthese embodiments.

FIG. 1A illustrates, in block flow diagram form, a computer implementedmethod for displaying calendar information in a handheld device. There,process 100 begins by displaying information in the display of ahandheld device 110. The information displayed can be any type ofinformation but in this embodiment of the present invention it isenvisioned as daily information, e.g., appointment and task informationlisted in text and graphical format in on-screen cells or windows thatare dynamically sizable. Some embodiments are enabled to provide agraphic image as background or “wallpaper.” Other embodiments of thepresent invention are enabled to provide graphic information in a numberof dynamically sizable cells.

Process 100 continues by sizing the dynamically sizable cell in responseto the amount of information contained in it at 120. The size of thecell, in this embodiment, expands or contracts as necessary to displaythe items listed in the type of information associated with the cell. Anappointment cell for example, in this embodiment, shows all the listedappointments, or other events, that are scheduled, up to a certainlimit. That limit can be settable by the user within a certain range.The upper limit is constrained so that there is always display areaavailable to show a message line in the display and, if there are tasks,or “to-do,” listed, a task list cell. The minimum limit for theappointment cell, also known as the “timed events” cell, is oneappointment or a line informing the user that there are no appointmentsscheduled.

At 130, other dynamically sizable cells are displayed, e.g., the celllisting to-do items. Each cell is also sized according to the amount ofinformation to be displayed. In this embodiment, a cell showing messageinformation can also be displayed and may remain sized for one line ofinformation.

The relative size of the timed events cell and the to-dos cell in thisembodiment is dynamic. As shown at 140, the cells maximize and minimizeinterdependently, reflecting the number of items to be displayed at anyone time and taking into consideration the number of active cells fordisplay. The maximum extension of the two cells is flexible andrelational, depending on the amount of left-over display area available.However, in case of conflict, there is a minimum number of rows definedfor each cell. If the number of items to be displayed equals or exceedsthis minimum, the cell will not contract.

For a square display, or a rectangular display with an uncollapsedactive input area, the relational minimum cell size in this embodimentof the present invention is seven rows for events and two rows for to-doin one exemplary embodiment. For a rectangular display, also known as a“Tall App state,” it is eleven rows for events and four rows for to-dosas one example. The sizes of the cells described herein are based on thescreen size of the employing device. It is noted that other embodimentscan have more or fewer allocated rows for information without alteringthe scope of the dynamically sizable cell embodiments herein described.

It is noted here that cells are also sized so that, if each cell hassuch a small list of items to display that the aggregate of items willnot fill the available display area, each cell can expand to jointlytake up the spare space. In other embodiments, each cell can shrink to auser-preferred minimum and the surplus display area can remain unused.

In one embodiment, the message display cell and the to-do display cellare optional and may be deactivated according to user configurations. Ifthe to-do cell is suppressed, in one example, the events cellautomatically may increase in size. Alternatively, if the messages cellis suppressed, then the to-do cell may increase in size. If both theto-do cell and messages cell are suppressed, then the event cell mayincrease in size automatically. If the to-do cell does not use all itsarea to display, the spare area may be used to automatically enlarge theevents cell. In embodiments of the present invention, a cell is notenlarged, as described above, unless it contains information to displayin the expanded area.

FIG. 1B illustrates a method by which interrelational dynamic sizing isachieved in one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment,FIG. 1B may be viewed as an expansion of step 140 in FIG. 1. If theto-do cell is suppressed 151, and the message cell is not suppressed153, then the event cell is expanded as needed 155 up to absorb the areamade available by the to-do cell's suppression. If the to-do cell issuppressed 151, and the message cell is suppressed 153, then the eventscell can expand to use up to all of the display area as needed 156.

If the to-do cell is not suppressed 151, and there is extra spaceavailable in the to-do cell 152, then, again, the event cell is expandedto take up available display area as needed 155. If, however, the to-docell does not have extra space 152, and the message cell is suppressed154, then the to-do cell is expanded to absorb the message cell's unusedspace as needed 158. If the message cell is not suppressed 154, but theevent cell has extra area 157, then the to-do cell is again expanded asneeded 158, this time absorbing display area remaining from the eventcell. In each case, in this embodiment, the cells display the maximumamount of appropriate information that can be shown in the availablearea 161. When the information changes or when appropriateness of theinformation changes, such as when the scheduled time of an event passes,for example, then the process is repeated, 199. The process is alsorepeated when the user enters new information or when the user entersnew preferences.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in whichdynamically sizable cells are displayed on the screen of an electronicdevice. Exemplary square format display 201 comprises a clock display202, date display 204, display select buttons 203, dynamically sizableevents cell 221, dynamically sizable to-do cell 222, and message cell223. In one embodiment, message cell 223 lists only one line ofinformation. That line includes the total number of messages receivedand the number of those as yet unread. Other embodiments can enlarge themessage cell information to include other information such as the titleor sender of a high priority message, for example.

Dynamically sizable to-do cell 222 lists user-created tasks. The tasks,like the events listed in events cell 221, are created in “creator”applications, such as an electronic calendar or appointment booksoftware application. Embodiments of the present invention are enabledto accept events and tasks from a variety of applications. The exemplarytask shown in cell 222, in FIG. 2A, includes a due date and a past-duedate. These time-constrained items can function, in this embodiment, asalarms.

Dynamically sizable events cell 221 is also shown. In addition to“today's” timed events, events upcoming soon are listed under“tomorrow.” This embodiment of the present invention lists the time ofthe event and the name or other reference as well as a “past” icon 205or an “upcoming” icon 206. In some embodiments, these icons change inaccordance with the relation between the scheduled time and the clocktime. In other embodiments, these icons can be changed by user input.

It is noted here that user input can be accepted in a number of ways inthis embodiment. A user can touch the icon in the touch-screen display,in this example, with a stylus or other object. The user can also stepthrough the icons and other screen entities using a five-way navigationbutton then change the icon status by using a select or other key. Userinput can also, in some embodiments, be accepted from an alpha-numerickeyboard.

The dynamic sizability of events cell 221 and to-do cell 222 areinterdependent and their sizes also relate to the amount of informationto be listed and to the number of active cells displayed. A user can, inthis embodiment, select whether to display a cell or to suppress itentirely (e.g., deactivate it). FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of thepresent invention in which the to-do cell 222 is suppressed. Events cell221, in this example, automatically expands to absorb the display areaotherwise used by the to-do cell and events cell 221 is able to listmore of its contained event listings. Message cell 223, in this example,remains at one message count line. Events cell 221 expands in size, inthis example, only if it contains data to be displayed in the expandedarea.

In FIG. 2C, message cell 223 has also been suppressed and events cell221 expands to absorb all of the available display 201, assuming itcontains data to be displayed in the expanded area. Clock 202 and viewselect buttons 203 are not absorbed in this example, however. Whenevents cell 221 is able to absorb all available display 201 area, alarge number of event items can be listed. In this example, three eventsare listed for the day shown and five for the following day, each withschedule times and icons. Other embodiments are enabled to list more.

FIG. 2D illustrates a display in which message cell 223 has beensuppressed and to-do cell 222 has expanded to take advantage of thenow-available display area. In this embodiment of the present invention,the event cell 221 remains at its original size and the to-do cell 222expands to absorb the area made available by suppression of the messagecell 223.

FIG. 2E illustrates the interrelational nature of dynamic sizing inthese embodiments of the present invention. The layout of the timedevents cell 221 and the to-do cell 222 is dynamic. The cells maximizeand minimize interdependently, reflecting the number of items to bedisplayed at any given time and the active cells. The maximum extensionof the two cells is flexible and relational and depends on how muchleft-over display area is available. However, in case of conflict thereis a minimum number of rows defined for each cell which isuser-selectable in this embodiment. Here, to-do cell 222 hasautomatically contracted one line to allow events cell 221 to listanother upcoming event because cell 221 needed more area and cell 222did not need the area.

In the example shown, the relational minimum size of the two dynamiccells defines the number of rows composing the two cells, if the numberof items to be displayed equals or exceeds the user-defined minimum forboth cells. It is noted that this occurrence has a higher probability inan embodiment employing a square aspect display. If the relationalminimum size of one dynamic cell exceeds the number of items to bedisplayed, it will automatically contract and cede display area to theother cell. For to-do cell 221 on a square aspect display, this amountthat can be ceded is only one row in this embodiment. The timed eventsis then enabled to display one more (single row) item. It is noted thatother embodiments are enabled to expand and contract over more items,depending on the total screen size available.

FIG. 2F illustrates the display of an embodiment of the presentinvention when there is no content for a cell to display or no contentof a particular type. If there is no content for an active cell, it doesnot fully collapse but rather displays a corresponding message and theother cell can absorb the remaining display up to the minimum reservedsize of the no-content cell. Here, there are no events scheduled for“today” and the one-line message reads “No Appointments Today.” Howeverthe “tomorrow” portion of events cell 221 has content and that contentis displayed as normal. To-do cell 222 also has no content and displaysonly the one line message “No ToDo Items Due.” It is noted here thatthese messages can vary in various embodiments. The specific wordingused in this embodiment is only used here for illustrative purposes.

As shown in FIG. 2G, if both cells are devoid of information to belisted, both shrink to their relational minimums. The remaining displayarea remains blank, in this embodiment of the present invention.

It is noted that there are both timed and untimed events that can bescheduled in this embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2Hillustrates both timed and untimed events listed in events cell 221. Theuntimed events for today are listed, in this example, at 251, shown justbelow the date line. Tomorrow's untimed events are listed at 252, in theupcoming events section of events cell 221, in this embodiment. Untimedevents in this embodiment also are denoted with an icon that isdifferent from those of timed events and lack a start time indication.In this embodiment, with future days' untimed events being listed abovetimed events, a sufficient number of untimed events can displace timedfuture events to outside the events cell's available listing space andscrolling is required to view those timed future events. In otherembodiments, however, untimed events may be listed beneath timed events.

Timed events, in this embodiment of the present invention, are shown inthe events cell and scroll through the cell as time passes. Over time,timed events migrate to the top and, if there are no more hidden eventsfor today, the timed events make room for future events in other days.

Today's events show the event title in bold font in this embodiment ofthe present invention, running over one line. If the event has alocation field attached, the location field is shown on a second line.

Future events, though shown only as “tomorrow” in these illustrations,also include all other future days. If there is sufficient spaceavailable, future day's events are listed under the headings for theapplicable days.

The display illustrated in this embodiment of the present inventionenables the user to select a number of preferred settings for thedisplay's presentation. The aforementioned minimum size for cells is oneset of many selectable settings.

FIG. 3A illustrates the options pull-down menu employed in oneembodiment of the present invention. “Display Options” is shown selectedat 302. Upon selection of display options, the display changes to thatshown in FIG. 3B. Here, display options window 310 is characterized by atitle bar 304, view select button 305, view indicators 307, and windowclosing buttons 306 which are, in this example, “OK,” signifyingacceptance of settings changes, and “Cancel,” signifying rejection ofany entered settings changes. Display 310 also shows cell select buttons311 and selected image window 312. It is noted that in this embodimentof the present invention, an image can be selected from a group ofimages and used as background to many of the displays. The group ofimages can be assorted stock images or user created images orphotographs. The Select Image display appears when the “BackgroundImage” icon box is selected.

FIG. 3C illustrates selecting a background image in the select imagedisplay. Here, title bar 323 is labeled “choose an image” but someembodiments may use other phrasing. In this embodiment of the presentinvention, a selection of thumbnail images is presented for userselection at 321. If there are more thumbnail images than can bepresented at one time, the remaining images can be viewed by eitherstepping down by use of a navigation button or by stroking scroll arrow322 with a stylus in the touch-screen display.

When an image is selected, its name appears in window 312 as shown inFIG. 3D and, in the embodiment, display 310 re-appears showing theselected image name. When “OK” is selected, the display returns to thetoday view display, 330, with the selected image in the background. Inthis embodiment, the information listed in the dynamically sizable cellsis not affected by the presence of a background image.

3E, 3F

FIG. 3G illustrates accessing a creator application in order to modify atimed event. Here, an upcoming timed event is highlighted 341 in display223. Highlighting and selecting, in this embodiment, causes theappearance 341 of day view display 342. The selected timed event isdenoted on the day view display as a highlighted time indicator 343. Inthis embodiment, another selection, of the highlighted time indicator,allows further editing of the timed event. It is noted that theexemplary timed event in FIG. 3G has a start time of “4:30.” In the dayview time listing, however, only times on the hour are listed. An“off-hour” time is only listed when an off-hour time has been selectedas a start time for the timed event. FIG. 3G is also, in thisembodiment, characterized by a date window 346 and a day of the weekindicator button set 344. Days of the week can be selected forward orbackward in time by selecting arrows 345.

Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented in arectangular display format as shown in display 400 in FIG. 4A and FIG.4B. A rectangular display 400 can be called a “Tallscreen” display or a“Tall App State” in some embodiments. It is noted that display 400 ispresented in a portrait orientation, with the vertical axis of thedisplay aligned with the long axis of the touch-screen display. As shownin FIG. 4A, there is an active input area (AIA) 401 for useralpha-numeric input in the touch-screen display. The square area abovethe active input area is treated in the same manner as a square formatdisplay with events cell 221, to-do cell 222 and message cell 223 shownin their square display relative sizes. Also present in display 400 arestatus bar 402, clock display 202 and view select buttons 203.

The active input area can be collapsed, or minimized, as shown in FIG.4B, making its display area available to the dynamically sizable cells.When the display area is available, events cell 221 and to-do cell 222each enlarge to take advantage of the increased area. It is noted that,in the default relationship in this embodiment of the present invention,an extra nine to eleven rows become available to event cell 221 and fourrows become available to to-do cell 222 upon active input area collapse.Navigation in the listed information presented in a tallscreen displayis in the same manner as in a square screen display.

A tallscreen display can be presented in a landscape orientation asshown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D. Here the vertical axis of display 410 isoriented with the short axis of the rectangular touch-screen. When theactive input area is maximized, is presented, in this embodiment, on theright side of the display. It is noted here that some embodiments areenabled to present the active input area on the left side of the screenwhen in landscape mode. Again, when the active input area is maximized,the dynamically sizable cells are presented in a default square aspectdisplay, as shown in FIG. 4C.

FIG. 4D illustrates the behavior of display 410 when the active inputarea is collapsed. Unlike the increase in available rows that occurs inportrait mode, event cell 221, to-do cell 222 and message cell 223increase in width to take advantage of the increased available displayarea. While no increase occurs in listed items, increased area isavailable more information as shown. It is noted that the status bar 402in this embodiment occupies the end of the rectangular display, nothaving changed from its location in portrait mode. The clock 202 andview select buttons move, however, to remain in their respectivelocations in the display 410.

FIG. 4E illustrates the behavior of a background image in tallscreenportrait mode when the active input area is minimized. In thisembodiment, the image retains its size and orientation. If the storedimage is larger than the presented image, then more of the stored imageis presented. If the stored image and the presented image are of thesame size, the presented image remains and a blank background ispresented in the increased area.

FIG. 5 illustrates sizing a stored image to be presented as a backgroundimage in the tallscreen display, in portrait mode. Image 501 is largerthan the area 502 that can be presented in the tallscreen display, 500.In this embodiment of the present invention, the presented image istaken from the center of the stored image with an equal amount ofcropping occurring on the left and right sides and on the top andbottom. In other embodiments, the user can select a portion of a storedimage to present as a background.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portable electronic device in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. In this illustration, the portableelectronic device is implemented as a handheld computing device 600.Device 600 is enabled with a touch-screen display 601 and an activeinput area (AIA) 602.

Device 600 is also implemented with application buttons 604 and five-waynavigation buttons 603. The five-way navigation buttons shown at 603comprise “up” button 605, “down” button 606, “left” button 607, “right”button 608 and “pick” button 609. “Pick” button 609 can also be known asa “select” button.

It is noted that the presence, use, and position of application buttons604 may vary in different implementations without limiting effect onembodiments of the present invention. Device 600 is also equipped with astylus 610 which allows a user to easily input to the device via thepressure sensitive membrane or digitizer of the touch-screen display,601.

Embodiments may employ variations of touch-screen display 601. Theimplementation illustrated is a “tall screen” device, meaning that it isenabled to present more information than a substantially square screendevice in that it is enabled to use active input area (AIA) 602 as anextension of the normal, square, display area. A tall screen device canalso be known, when expanded, as a “Tall App State” device. It is notedthat the presence, use, and position of application buttons 604 may varyin different implementations without limiting effect on embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates another portable electronic device in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. In this illustration, theportable electronic device is implemented as a handheld computer, 700,enabled with wireless phone capabilities. Device 700 is enabled with atouch-screen display 701.

It is noted that the particular device 700 illustrated is implemented ina folding or telescoping form factor. In this illustration, line 710illustrates a dividing line between upper body portion 711 and lowerbody portion 712 which is shown slid over touch-screen display 701, thusshowing only the uppermost portion of the display. The form factor shownis only an example of implementations available in embodiments of thepresent invention and is not meant to limit embodiments to anyparticular form factor.

Portable electronic device 700 is enabled with a numeric keypad 703which comprises, in this implementation, numeric keys 0-9 as well as“star” and “pound” keys. The exemplary keypad shown is only forillustration and is not meant to limit alpha-numeric input devices anyparticular form in embodiments of the present invention.

Portable electronic device 700 is also enabled with a five-waynavigation button, 603. The five-way navigation button comprises “up”button 605, “down” button 606, “left” button 607, “right” button 608 and“pick,” or “select,” button 609.

FIG. 7B illustrates portable electronic device 700 in an open position,with lower portion 712 retracted and exposing the full expanse ofrectangular touch-screen display 301. In the display's exposed position,active input area 702 is shown.

As discussed previously, embodiments of the present invention areenabled with an active input area, 702, that can be “collapsed.”Collapsing the active input area allows the effective display area toexpand, making use of the active input area when not needed for input.FIG. 7C illustrates portable electronic device 700 with active inputarea 702 collapsed to allow a graphical user interface display to beshown in the full expanse of the display area.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a handheld computing in which embodimentsof the present invention can be presented in a landscape mode. Device800 presents touch-screen display 801, which includes collapsible activeinput area 802. Also included are application buttons 604 whosefunctions are the same as previously illustrated handheld devices.Five-way navigation buttons 803 are located in the same physical placein the device as when the display is presented in portrait mode.However, the functions of the individual navigation buttons change sothat the user is able to keep the same user friendly orientation of upbutton 808, down button 807, left button 805 and right button 806, andtheir associated cursor movements.

Embodiments of the present invention are expected to operate in acomputer system, such as a handheld computing device. A configurationtypical to a generic computer system is illustrated, in block diagramform, in FIG. 9. Here, generic computer 900 is characterized by aprocessor 901, connected electronically by a bus 910 to a volatilememory 902, a non-volatile memory 903, possibly some form of datastorage device 904 and a display device 905.

While it is noted that display device 905 can be implemented indifferent forms, embodiments of the present invention are implemented indevices equipped with touch-screen displays combining a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) screen and a pressure-sensitive input membrane overlayingthe display. Other embodiments can be implemented with cathode ray tube(CRT) displays or other implementations.

Bus 950 also connects an alpha-numeric input device 906 and cursorcontrol 907. Embodiments of the present invention are enabled to acceptalpha-numeric input by reading handwritten characters in thetouch-screen display. In discussions above of embodiments of the presentinvention, handwritten characters are written in the active input area(AIA). Other embodiments can accept alpha-numeric input from keystrokesin a keypad. Cursor control in embodiments of the present invention isby either tapping appropriate areas of the touch-screen display with astylus or by pressing appropriate elements of a five-way navigationbutton.

Communication I/O device 908 can be implemented as a serial port, USB,or infrared port. In various implementations, communication I/O device908 may be realized as a modem, an Ethernet connection, a wirelessdevice, or any other means of communicating signals between a computersystem and a communications network. Some embodiments are enabled aswireless telephones. These phone-enabled devices also are equipped withtelephone module 909.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

1. A computer user interface comprising: a display to present aplurality of dynamically sizable active on-screen displayable cells forpresenting categories of daily information therein, wherein saidplurality of active cells comprise a first cell and a second cell, saidfirst cell is automatically dynamically sized based on changes in itsamount of content and also based on changes in an amount of content ofsaid second cell, said second cell is automatically dynamically sizedbased on its amount of content and also based on said amount of contentof said first cell, and said first cell is increased in size providedits content requires more size than its minimum size definition andprovided further that said second cell is decreased in size below itsminimum size definition.
 2. A computer user interface as described inclaim 1 wherein said first cell displays daily event information.
 3. Acomputer user interface as described in claim 1 wherein said second celldisplays daily to-do information.
 4. A computer user interface asdescribed in claim 1 further comprising a third cell of fixed size foron-screen displaying of daily message information.
 5. A computer userinterface as described in claim 1 wherein display of cells of saidplurality of cells is capable of being suppressed and wherein said firstcell is enlarged in response to display of said second cell beingsuppressed.
 6. A computer user interface as described in claim 1 whereindisplay of cells of said plurality of cells is capable of beingsuppressed and wherein said second cell is enlarged in response to saidfirst cell being suppressed.
 7. A computer user interface as describedin claim 1 wherein display of cells of said plurality of cells iscapable of being suppressed.
 8. A computer user interface as describedin claim 1 wherein display of cells of said plurality of cells iscapable of being suppressed and wherein said first cell is enlarged inresponse to display of said second cell being suppressed.
 9. A computeruser interface as described in claim 1 wherein said first cell comprisesa minimum size definition and wherein further said first cell isdecreased in size if its content requires less size than its minimumsize definition.
 10. A computer user interface as described in claim 1wherein said first cell displays daily event information, wherein saidsecond cell displays daily to-do information and further comprising athird cell of fixed size for on-screen displaying of daily messageinformation.
 11. A computer-implemented method comprising: presenting ona display a plurality of dynamically sizable active on-screendisplayable cells with categories of daily information therein, saidplurality of active cells comprising a first cell and a second cell,said first cell automatically dynamically sizable based on changes inits amount of content and also based on changes in an amount of contentof said second cell, said second cell automatically dynamically sizablebased on its amount of content and also based on said amount of contentof said first cell; and increasing a size for said first cell providedits content needs more size than its minimum size definition andprovided further that said second cell needs less size than its minimumsize definition.